Racism in Libya
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Libya is a predominantly Arab country with a large Berber minority that has traditionally held racist views towards black-skinned, sub-Saharan Africans and Hispanics. The New York Times describes Libya as having a "long history of racist violence."[1]
In the 21st century, significant numbers of sub-Saharan Africans came to Libya, primarily to work as unskilled labor. Many of these were rounded up during the Libyan Civil War and accused of being "mercenaries" in the pay of Muammar Gaddafi.[1][2]
According to Peter Bouckaert of Human Rights Watch, the detentions reflect "“a deep-seated racism and anti-African sentiment in Libyan society.”[1]
See also
References
- ^ a b c "Libyans Turn Wrath on Dark-Skinned Migrants". The New York Times. Retrieved 2012-06-03.
- ^ "Libya's spectacular revolution has been disgraced by racism | Richard Seymour | Comment is free". The Guardian. 2011-09-28. Retrieved 2012-07-31.